SYRIA dates, events and testimonies

Dates, testimonies, articles, descriptions
goldentour
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kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM’S GOLDEN JUBILEE VISIT TO SYRIA

The Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF) and the National Council have conveyed to the global Jamat the happy news of the confirmation of our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, from the 24th to the 29th of August, 2008.

Following a recent assessment of Syrian ground realities, and being aware that some members from other Jamats are planning to travel to Syria for the Golden Jubilee Darbars, the LIF and the National Council take this opportunity to invite the attention of external Jamats to the following issues.

General: External Jamati members are requested to maintain awareness that the requirements of Syria’s large domestic Jamat will demand the full concentration of the Syrian Jamati institutions’ human and material resources. In this light, while the Syrian institutions will endeavour to extend a warm welcome to visiting Jamati members, it should be understood that their capacity will be stretched.

Visas: Visiting Jamati members are requested to ensure, in their home countries, full compliance with Syrian visa requirements, prior to their travel. No arrangements will be possible for procuring visas on arrival for those Jamati members who require visas to enter that country.

Weather conditions: The month of August is the height of summer in Syria, characterised by strong sunlight and consistently high daytime temperatures. These will pose a severe challenge for all those unused to severe heat, but particularly the elderly, infirm and sick, who would be well advised to altogether avoid travelling to Syria. It should also be borne in mind that the Darbars in Syria will be held in the open air, and at mid-morning times, when strong sunlight and heat will be significant factors.

Hotels: Very limited hotel accommodation is available around the two Darbar venues, namely Salamiyeh and Al-Khawabi. Therefore, visiting Jamati members are requested to ensure that they obtain confirmed and documented hotel reservations before travelling to Syria.

Transportation: Salamieyeh and Al-Khawabi are located at significant distances from Damascus, and visiting Jamati members will be expected to assume responsibility for their own transportation to and from these Darbar venues.

The LIF and the National Council hope that members of external Jamats who are contemplating travelling to Syria for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit, will take into consideration the above-mentioned factors, which are being highlighted to ensure the Jamat’s safety and comfort.
Ismailidude
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Post by Ismailidude »

So, let me try and understand this.<BR><BR>We are going to have Golden Jubilee Darbars in Syria at the height of the summer season in the open air while it is probably unbearably hot and humid. <BR><BR>Given these conditions, maybe it was not the best time to have this visit to Syria at this time. Anyone else concerned about the effect of the heat and humidity o&shy;n our 71-year old IMAM, who is still recovering from surgery?<BR><BR>I can understand Syria not being able to accomodate high numbers of foriegn Jamats but I am having a very hard time understanding the weather conditions surrounding the two mulaqaats.
zeeshan30
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Post by zeeshan30 »

ismaili dude, you may not understand; but Hazar Imam has accepted to give Darbar, so that should be the end of the matter. Who are we to argue where and when Imam should grant a darbar? Besides, sitting in darbar is supposed to be a challenge to o&shy;neself. The heat should not matter if Imam is sitting amongst us. It far outweighs any environmental elements!
ShamsB
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Post by ShamsB »

zeeshan30 wrote:ismaili dude, you may not understand; but Hazar Imam has accepted to give Darbar, so that should be the end of the matter. Who are we to argue where and when Imam should grant a darbar? Besides, sitting in darbar is supposed to be a challenge to o&shy;neself. The heat should not matter if Imam is sitting amongst us. It far outweighs any environmental elements!
Not only that - but the IMAM IS THE IMAM! since when have material factors impacted him?

Shams
No_problem
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Post by No_problem »

Dear all,

Please refrain from criticizing the leadership on this matter. Those who are not from Syria don't understand how hard it was in silver Jubilee when we waited there the whole year and it was not possible for a Didar to take place.

The Diar date is decided not only depending on weather but also on Government invitation, readiness of projects to be lauchned etc and the Jamat are very happy for having this opportunity to have the Imam of the Time amongst us. Inshallah the weather will be alright but I think it was important that the international Jamat are informed of the weather.

Also please note that there is a suburb in Damascus called Salamaieh as well so be sure to explain to the taxi which Slamieh you want to go to. Our Salamieh is far from Damasucs (about 250 km) and you may tell him you want to go to Salamieh city in Hama province, or in Arabic (Madinat Salamieh fi Muhafazat Hama).

Also please note that earlier this year the desil price was increased by 300% so cost of transportation will be higher than 2001 but still much lower than Europe and America.

The curretn exchange rate is 87 Syrian lira for GBP1 and 46 lira for 1USD.

Anyway, Inshallah there is likely to be a hospitality desk in Damascus aireport to help the international Jamat when arriving.

Best wishes.
xaf
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Post by xaf »

" Chalo chalo sakhiri aapne jovane jaye, apna Karim Shah ne gher mandavo kevo rachiyo"
It is only the very fortunate, the extremely fortunate, who get the opportunity to share darbar with our beloved Mowla. So what are forty degree temperatures? What are lack of facilities? The love for Mowla and the happiness of the soul at the prospect of seeing and being in the presence of the source, the Noor, act as a protective shield so that the entire experience becomes sublime and there is happiness, happiness, happiness. That was definitely the case in India [especially Sidhpur] and Bangladesh where we sat in the darbar hall for hours and hours. The AC was not even working, the hall was overpacked and yet we felt nothing but joy throughout.
One should ask oneself sincerely, "Is our Mowla worth enduring high temperatures for? Is our Mowla worth enduring a few days without five-star facilities for?" If the answer is "Yes, yes, yes" then come to Syria and enjoy with our beloved Mowla.
If the answer is "Not really", then the point is a moot one anyway.
But remember, be sincere when asking and answering these questions.

"Where Mowla is, is where Heaven is"
Ismailidude
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Post by Ismailidude »

I have been misunderstood on the issue. I have no plans to travel to Syria because unfortunately I am not in a situation to do so. I am sure that those Murids who are fortunate enough to be able to travel will do so without concern to the weather conditions.

My worry was for the lack of concern that the people planning this have shown for Imam's physical comfort by having an open air darbar during the month of August.

I guess I have to remember that this vist was not scheduled without HIS cosent and blessing and so if wants to bear 40-45 degree weather to bless his murids who am I to question it.
xaf
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Post by xaf »

Ismailidude wrote:I have been misunderstood on the issue. I have no plans to travel to Syria because unfortunately I am not in a situation to do so. I am sure that those Murids who are fortunate enough to be able to travel will do so without concern to the weather conditions.

My worry was for the lack of concern that the people planning this have shown for Imam's physical comfort by having an open air darbar during the month of August.

I guess I have to remember that this vist was not scheduled without HIS cosent and blessing and so if wants to bear 40-45 degree weather to bless his murids who am I to question it.
Believe me, my post above was in no way directed towards you. I simply wrote what I wrote because I have been so frustrated & disgusted at all the excuses my fellow brothers & sisters have been coming up with. Gone are the days of the Fidai who would even give up their lives if they had to, in the service of the Imam. Have we forgotten how our Pirs used to travel through mountains, forests and bear such hardships on foot to get a glimpse of the Imam? Surely, we have all become very spoilt. We mollycoddle ourselves to no extent. This is indeed shameful.

As for your comments, I am so very impressed to see your concern for the physical comfort of our Mowla. This shows you reall love Him. And this love will remain with you as a blessing throughout your life.
You made me feel ashamed too. Why did I not show similar concern?
So now I pray - and I hope you will join me too - that He makes the weather cool so that He may have comfort during His stay in Syria.
Ameen.
With Ya Ali Madad,
Xaf.
Admin
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Post by Admin »

In some darbar, they put portable air-condition units [lots of them] on the stage for the comfort of the Imam.

But sincerely, take a bottle of water, put a cap on your head, go only a couple of hours before Imam arrives and do not worry about weather.

I was in Booni Didar [Chitral] in 2003 December. As you can imagine, it gets cold there in the mountains. In fact the temperature was minus 4 at night. There were 100,000 Murids at the didar, some from China, some from Afghanistan, they had walked more then a week to arrive.

In the morning around 7am, the temperature was still around zero degree freezing, there were lots of clouds... people were sitting in their blankets...

11am was the time Hazar Imam descended in a helicopter behind the didar place. All of a sudden, the clouds went away, sunshine came.

Believe it or or but from 10am to 12am that day, in the mountains of Chitral, the temperature shot from 0 degree centigrade to +16 degree centigrade. Hazar Imam left in his Helicopter for Chitral airport around noon.

I do no know if this is physically possible but afternoon around 3pm, we were back to zero degree.

I was in Salamieh didar in 2001 November and it was quite cold. People were sitting since 4am in open air. At 10am, Hazar Imam came, the clouds went away, by the time Hazar Imam walked from his car to the stage [about 20 or 25 minutes], it was warm and comfortable... it stayed that way up to late afternoon.

Admin
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Admin wrote:In some darbar, they put portable air-condition units [lots of them] on the stage for the comfort of the Imam.
The comfort of the Imam is the least of my concerns. As far as I am concerned he has the capacity to live in the sun. He is the Sea!

My concern is the comfort of the murids, but if the Imam has approved the programme who are we to question?
mohamad52
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Post by mohamad52 »

I will be very pleased to know if there is any tours arranged by ismaili jamat in syria during this honourable didar and mulagats.
Alaa_Salamieh
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YAM

Post by Alaa_Salamieh »

<P>YAM <BR>hello every body first of all Mubarak to all jamat all over the world we 'in Syria specially in salamieh" very happy for the didar, I'm glad to know and&nbsp;meet my ismailian brothers around the world and&nbsp;I'm ready to inform you about any thing you may need to know about syria and&nbsp;salamieh my E-mail is <A href="mailto:la_belle_terre123@yahoo.fr">la_belle_terre123@yahoo.fr</A> and I'm ready to answer your questions <BR>I wish you all&nbsp;&nbsp; agood day by&nbsp;by&nbsp;</P>
No_problem
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Post by No_problem »

The Darbar registration website is here:

http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org

It provides thorough information in English and Arabic.

Mubaraki to all.

All the best.
zubair_mahamood
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Post by zubair_mahamood »

kmaherali wrote:
Admin wrote:In some darbar, they put portable air-condition units [lots of them] on the stage for the comfort of the Imam.
The comfort of the Imam is the least of my concerns. As far as I am concerned he has the capacity to live in the sun. He is the Sea!

My concern is the comfort of the murids, but if the Imam has approved the programme who are we to question?
Karim I think we don’t attend Dedaar by our wish but by Hazar Imam wish. We don’t need to be concern about the comfort of the Murids because it’s approved by Hazar Imam, if the Imam’s Darbar or Dedaar is organised in the sun or in the sea Murids will be comfortable as they are the guest of Imam and our Imam knows how to treat Guests.
jeeshanali
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Post by jeeshanali »

Ya ali miadad

Please pass this on to those you know may be going to Syria.

THIS IS A SPECIAL REQUEST TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE TRAVELLING TO SYRIA, FOR MOWLAS GOLDEN JUBILEE. CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE AS MANY CHILDREN'S ENGLISH STOREY BOOKS AND ANY ISMAILI MAGAZINES. SYRIANS LOVE TO READ THESE MAGAZINES, PERTAINING TO IMAMAT WORK. THEY HAVE BEEN ISOLATED FOR SO MANY YEARS, THESE MAGAZINES WILL GIVE THEM A PROPER PERSPECTIVE. ENGLISH MATERIAL IS VERY EXPENSIVE, AND VERY HARD TO FIND IN THE MOUNTAINS. PEACE AND LIGHT TO ALL THOSE WHO WILL DO THIS SEVA OF TIME AND KNOWLEDGE.

Regards/Rahim
Admin
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Post by Admin »

Register for Didar if you need to at

http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/
jeeshanali
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registration

Post by jeeshanali »

Ya ali miadad


The syria darbar registration is already begin.


official website-www.goldenjubileesyria.org


Darbar registration : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/registration/


Travel and lodging : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/travel/


Darbar dates : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/venues/


FAQ : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/faqs/


Events :http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/events/


If you need any futher assistance feel free to contact me


Thanks

Regards/Rahim
mohamad52
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Post by mohamad52 »

I will arrive at damascus airport on 26th august about 1:00 am, so i am cocerned about the starting time of salamieh darbar. please give me some information. thank you.
goldentour
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syria golden tour

Post by goldentour »

Dear Sister and Brother,
We are happy for syria darbar and hope all ismaili people can see MHI in golden jublee year.

golden tour can help ismaili turism to travel to salameyeh in darbar day and another days travel to other palce to visit.

if you want to use please see web site www.neginit.blogfa.com
and send me your information completly.

yours truly
jeeshanali
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syria darbar

Post by jeeshanali »

Dear Mohamed

Here is the information

When will the Darbar be held?
The tentative date for Salamieh is the morning of August 26th.

When should I arrive at the Darbar site?

* If you have received your badge AND have a local family to escort you, please proceed directly to the site at least three hours prior to the start time.

* If you have not received your badge please make your way to the meeting point at Al-Hussain Jamatkhana in Salamieh five (5) hours prior to the start of the Darbar. You will be escorted to the Darbar site with volunteers. The last escort will leave two hours prior to start of the darbar.
*At the Darbar site, follow the signs directing the international jamat

There are also volunteers on the airport you can just ask them about the time as it is mostly in the morning.

Thanks

Regards/Rahim
Admin
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Post by Admin »

Dozens and dozens of buses are arriving in Salamieh from Iran to participate in the celebrations of Golden Jubilee.

Between 2,000 to 20,000 Iranian Ismailis are expected to attend Didars in Syria.

As Salamieh welcomes thousands of Ismailis from Iran and the other International Jamat, surrounding suburbs such as Barre and other Ismaili towns are preparing to walk 10 to 15 km to Salamieh Darbar on 26th August 2008 as their traditional Hajj.

There may be up to 150,000 Ismailis at the Darbar, making it the biggest Darbar of the Jubilee.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Syria visit
Sunday, 24 August 2008

A little girl and boy present Mawlana Hazar Imam with flowers and welcome him with affection upon his arrival in Syria. Photo: Gary Otte

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at Damascus airport for the start of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Dardari, the Minister of Tourism, leaders of the Jamat and AKDN institutions in Syria.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Syrian Jamat prepares to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam on his Golden Jubilee visit

Ass’en Street in Salamieh decorated in green, red and golden colours to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: Yamen Mahmoud Farha

On 24 August 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam will arrive in Syria, and during his time here, he will meet with President Bashar Al-Assad, various government officials, as well as faith and civil society leaders. Hazar Imam will also grant Golden Jubilee Darbars in Salamieh and Al-Khawabi. It has been nearly seven years since Mawlana Hazar Imam last visited the Syrian Jamat. The enthusiasm and excitement are building as the Jamat looks forward to the upcoming Darbars.

In anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit, residents of Salamieh, both from the Jamat and others, have decorated the town for this happy occasion. In the local Ismaili Council hall, traditional folk dances, parties and weddings are also taking place as part of the celebrations. One of the highlights included the presentation of Sada Alrooh (Soul’s Echo) performed by Hala, an ensemble of local young students, at the National Council’s open air theatre. The performance conveyed messages of a common humanity and peace, deepening the sentiment behind the celebrations.


The Hala ensemble in cooperation with the Ismaili Council for Syria present “Sada Alrooh” at the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Photo: Yamen Mahmoud Farha

Over 100 000 people are expected to attend the Darbar in Salamieh, including Jamati members from around the world. The local Jamat is looking forward to hosting them. Esmaeel Al Yazaji, the head of the local communications committee, noted that some 5 000 volunteers are working on various committees to help with a wide range of tasks before, during and after the visit.

In Damascus, the Youth and Sports portfolio organised a series of workshops to prepare the youth for the visit. At the culmination of the last workshop, the participants sat around the edge of a large room at the local Council office. Each participant then made a special Golden Jubilee wish or prayer for the Imam, the Jamat and the world at large. Upon expressing their wish, each lit a candle from the flame from the previous person’s candle, symbolically expressing the notion of unity through one light.


Youth in Damascus offer Golden Jubilee wishes as they light candles and place them in a formation that spells “Golden Jubilee” in Arabic. Photo: Courtesy of Ismaili Council for Syria

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/510/Syria ... ilee-visit
Admin
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Post by Admin »

mirrored on ismaili.net in Forum Section from SANA


Image

Prince Aga Khan Starts 6-day visit to Syria

Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 04:20 PM

amascus, (SANA)- His Highness Prince Aga Khan, Head and Founder of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Damascus on Sunday on a 6-day visit to Syria.

He was received at Damascus International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism Dr. Saadullah Agha al-Qala'a and Resident Representative of AKDN in Syria Mohammad Mufdi Seifo.

During his visit to Syria, Prince Aga Khan will take part in celebrations marking the end of AKDN-sponsored restoration works at three historical castles: Aleppo, Saladdin and Missiaf.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
Last edited by Admin on Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Admin
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Post by Admin »

President al-Assad meets Prince Karim Aga Khan

Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 08:05 PM

Mirrored on www.ismaili.net from SANA

Image



DAMASCUS, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday discussed with Prince Karim Aga Khan, Chairman of Aga Khan Development Network, the developmental projects launched by Aga Khan network in Syria.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the encouraging investment atmosphere in Syria and the Syrian positive economic situation and its future aspects.

Prince Aga Khan thanked President al-Assad for Syria's support to the projects of aga Khan Network in Syria, underlining commitment to develop relations between the Network and the Syrian government.

The Prince briefed President al-Assad about some projects that could be fulfilled by the Network in Syria in the future to boost cooperation in all fields.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities.

Mazen
jeeshanali
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Syria council address

Post by jeeshanali »

Dear All,

First of all mubarki to entire syria jamat along with international jamat travelling to syria for Hazar Imam darbar

Dont forget to remember me in your dua and during the entire deedar

Anyone from syria can u provide me the council address along with email id as i have many ismaili magazine and other books so that syria jamat will be benefitted with this.

Thanks

Regards/Rahim
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Aga Khan Arrives in Syria on the Occasion of His Golden Jubilee

Please also see: Photographs

Damascus, Syria, 24 August, 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam, (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Damascus today, on a 6-day official visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Abdullah Al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism, Dr Sa’dallah Agha Al-Qal’a, various faith leaders as well as leaders from the Ismaili Community in Syria and officials from the AKDN.

The visit comes in response to an invitation from the Syrian Arab Republic Government, and within the context of His Highness’ Golden Jubilee - the Aga Khan acceded to the Ismaili Imamat on 11th July 1957 and is visiting some 30 countries around the world which have long-standing and close relations with the Imamat to express his gratitude and friendship with governments, leaders, and other partners of the AKDN.

During his visit to Syria, the Aga Khan, is scheduled to meet with Dr. Bashar Al Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to hold meetings with the Syrian Prime Minister and a number of political and spiritual leaders in Syria to discuss ways of furthering cooperation and coordination in the areas of healthcare, nursing, education, microfinance, tourism and culture. Within this framework, a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed to further development in these areas and enhance sustainable integrated development in the country.

In a ceremony to be held in Aleppo on Thursday 28th August 2008, the Aga Khan will also mark the completion of cultural revitalisation work on the Citadels of Aleppo, Salah ad-Din and Masyaf, carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in partnership with the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums.

http://www.akdn.org/press_release.asp?ID=685
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Aga Khan University Signs Agreement to Further Health and Education Development in Syria


Damascus, Syria, 25 August 2008 - The Ministries of Health and Higher Education of the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University (AKU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance capacity in the health sector. The memorandum was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister in Damascus and witnessed by Syrian Prime Minister, His Excellency Mohamed Naji Al-Utri and His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. His Highness the Aga Khan is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Chancellor of the Aga Khan University. He is in Syria on a 6-day official visit.

The memorandum, which provides a framework for cooperation in nursing education and hospital quality assurance, was signed by Dr. Maher Al-Housami, Minister of Health, Dr. Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education and Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of AKU, witnessed by Mr. Mohamed Seifo, AKDN Representative in Syria.

The signing of the memorandum marks the expansion of an existing, successful partnership between the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University. The partnership is a significant contribution towards the strengthening and building of capacity in the country in response to the challenge of developing human resources in healthcare. As part of this partnership, AKU will provide technical assistance to the Ministries for:

Strengthening of selected Bachelors and Masters programmes for nurses through developing capacity of faculty and introducing research-based, relevant curricula; and,
Establishing quality assurance systems at the Damascus Hospital through comprehensive training of staff.
The partnership between the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University is unique in that it spans several sectors in scope and includes linkages between three universities in the Muslim world: Teshreen University and Al-Baath University in Syria and the Aga Khan University.
“Institutions that teach best practices, measured in global terms, are critical for any country in the world, however well developed it is,” said the Aga Khan at the signing ceremony. “Building institutional capacity in Syria - jointly in healthcare and education, is a goal which we have shared since we started our discussions and the agreement that was signed today with regard to Higher Education and institutional building, enters directly into this area.”

From 2003-2007, AKU served as an intellectual partner to Syria’s Ministry of Health. In this period, AKU successfully introduced nursing quality assurance at seven hospitals, trained over 100 nurses in clinical skills and quality assurance, assisted in the development of the Ministry of Health’s diploma nursing curriculum and trained 40 teachers in contemporary pedagogies. During this time, nine students have benefited from higher education opportunities at AKU in Pakistan, including Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Education degree programmes. Most of these students have now returned to Syria to contribute to the development of the health and education sectors in their country.

According to President Rasul, an important aspect of the partnership between AKU and the Syrian Government is that it is a South-South relationship. “In the last century or so, the common perception globally has been that the flow of learning, ideas, and solutions, is only credible if it is from the West to the East or from the North to the South. However, this is a misconception, as the partnership between the Syrian Government and Aga Khan University demonstrates. Together we have been able to foster linkages between important centres of learning in our countries,” he said.

The Aga Khan University was the first private autonomous university (chartered) established in 1983 in Pakistan and its charter calls upon it to serve the Ummah and developing countries. The University is recognised for its research, teaching and service at an international standard in medicine, nursing, teacher education, medical care and community service. The university has campuses and programmes in eight countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, including Faculties of Health Sciences with a Nursing School, Medical College and teaching hospitals in Karachi and Nairobi, Institutes for Educational Development in Karachi and Dar es Salaam, an Examination Board and an Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. AKU is a non-denominational institution open to all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender, national origin or financial standing.

http://www.akdn.org/press_release.asp?ID=686
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/25/189985.htm

Ottri, Karim Aga Khan Discuss Joint Cooperation Agreements
Monday, August 25, 2008 - 02:20 PM



Damascus, (SANA)- Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Ottri and His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, Head of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), on Monday discussed fields and prospects of cooperation between the Syrian government and the Network in the economic, social, cultural, development and tourist areas in light of the cooperation agreement signed between the two sides.

Both sides reviewed a set of projects which the AKDN intends to initiate in Syria, particularly rural development, broadening and expanding the program of funding the small-size projects and infrastructure services.

Premier Ottri highlighted the projects which that AKDN is carrying out in Syria, pointing out to its distinguished role in the field of restoration of ancient places and the revival of Arab and Islamic civilizations.

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan expressed his Network keenness on launching new social and development projects, underscoring the support given to its activities in Syria.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism Dr. Sadullah Agha al-Qala'a and Mohammad Mufdi Seifo, AKDN Resident Representative in Syria.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari also discussed with His Highness Karim Aga Khan the growing cooperation between his Network and Syria.

Mr. Dardari briefed Prince Karim on the situation of investment in Syria and prospects of big and diversified investment and the possibility of the Network's funding of several development projects as well as the facilities given by the Syrian government to the investors.

Later, in the presence of Premier Ottri and Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Executive Order document to initiate small-size funding in Syria was signed between the Syrian Central Bank and Aga Khan Agency for Small-Size Loans, along with launching new tourism projects in Damascus.

Also a Memo of Understanding was signed between Aga Khan University and the Syrian Ministries of Health and Higher Education.

After the signing ceremony, Premier Ottri and Prince Karim Aga Khan exchanged friendly speeches, expressing common desire to enhance and develop the existing cooperation between Syria and the AKDN, highlighting the agreements signed today.

They also voiced willingness to establish new development projects in different fields.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
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